About Us
Chabad of Calabasas was founded in the summer of 2003 by Rabbi Eli and Shaini Friedman. Both Rabbi Friedman and Shaini grew up in families dedicated to the vision of Chabad and the Lubavitcher Rebbe, of saintly memory: Rabbi Friedman in S. Paul, Minnesota and Shaini in Westwood, California.
Chabad of Calabasas began with Shabbat services in Chaparral Elementary School and grew from there. In 2006, Chabad of Calabasas relocated to its current Old Topanga Canyon Road location, near Calabasas High School.
Chabad of Calabasas has grown into a warm and vibrant community, filled with people from diverse backgrounds and on varying levels of Jewish knowledge and religious observance. We are grateful to know that countless people have found social, spiritual and religious gratification in our community, and we seek to expand it always - bigger, better, happier.
Our Mission Statement
Through the Chabad philosophy of Ahavat Yisrael - special love and concern for fellow Jews, regardless of religious background or affiliation - Chabad of Calabasas strives to serve as a home away from home for the community. Chabad of Calabasas provides synagogue services, spiritual guidance, community outreach and education to inspire invidivuals and families to discover their common bond of Jewish faith and observance. Chabad of Calabasas' numerous programs and activities provide the education and means to promote knowledge, awareness and practice to joyfully experience our Jewish heritage connecting us to our past, present and future. Chabad of Calabasas encourages positive action on the part of each person and offers its educational programs to all Jewish organizations, synagogues and groups in its efforts to increase Jewish knowledge and observance.